The Bevin Brothers Bell Company of East Hampton, Connecticut, are the
only makers of one-piece cast sleigh bells. If I remember correctly,
the bells can be had either in sets, affixed to leather straps, or
singly.
Sleigh bells are available in various configurations from:
Mast Harness Hardware
115 E C.R. 500 N
Arthur IL 61911
Tel: 217-543-3463
The Mast catalogue seems to have cheap bells and cast bells, but does
not mention the Bevins name. Masts's bells are specified by diameter,
rather than by tuned note.
I wonder if it's possible to tune sleigh bells with a file, and whether,
historically, anyone has ever though it necessary? Generally, sleigh
bells are supposed to sound a bit raucous, to provide a warning, because
a sleigh going through unpacked snow is almost completely silent. The
snow muffles even the sound of the hooves.
Peter Neilson
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